Home Modifications and Accessibility

Pam StockmanOccupational Therapist

University of Washington Medical Center

Tonight’s Objectives

• The American’s with Disabilities Act and how it applies

• The principles of Universal Design and its application in your life

• Home accessibility needs post rehab

• Long-term home accessibility ideas

ADA

“Barriers to employment, transportation, public accommodations, public services, and telecommunications have imposed staggering economic and social costs on American society and have undermined our well-intentioned efforts to educate, rehabilitate, and employ individuals with disabilities.”

ADA

“By breaking down these barriers, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will enable society to benefit from the skills and talents of individuals with disabilities, will allow us all to gain from their increased purchasing power and ability to use it, and will lead to fuller, more productive lives for all Americans.”

ADA

“The Americans with Disabilities Act gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in…

ADA

public accommodations, employment, transportation, State and local government services, and telecommunications. Fair, swift and effective enforcement of this landmark civil rights legislation is a high priority of the Federal Government.”

Universal Design

• Ronald L. Mace: architect

• Founder of the Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University

• www.design.ncsu.edu

Principle One:

Equitable Use

The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities

Principle Two:

Flexibility of Use

The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities

Principle Three:

Simple and Intuitive Use

Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience,

knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level

Principle Four:

Perceptible Information

The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user,

regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities

Principle Five:

Tolerance for Error

The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or

unintended actions

Principle Six:

Low Physical Effort

The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with minimum fatigue

Principle Seven:

Size and Space for Approach and Use

Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use

regardless of user’s body size, posture or mobility

Rehab Needs for Safe Discharge

• Accessible entry

• Basic bathroom modifications

• Bed & mattress recommendations

• Appropriate Equipment